A quiet night with winds from 9 to 14 knots—good progress with the latter, but frustrating with the former, as wind close behind.

BUT! Since 0800 this morning the wind is up---15 to 18 knots close behind and we are going like a train at an average around 8 to 9 knots. I think (hope?) we have now got to stable trade winds which will carry us home—some 970 miles to go—though maybe too early to say! I was expecting good winds from nearing 50 longitude, but we have it, so far, at 44 longitude.

Still running with chute to port and genoa on pole to starboard, plus mizzen, but will likely reduce or drop the chute before dark. With the lighter winds to date, as forecast, we have kept the chute up for the last several days and nights.

The seas, of course, reflect the increased wind. Still not too much rolling---certainly not of the order of our last crossing---but I’m sure we have that ahead of us!

All is well and delighted to be moving faster.